“There was a bit of sloppiness and the pitch wasn't easy to play on,” said the 60-year-old head coach.

“Towards the back of the game we gave Lebanon a bit more confidence and we have to be better than that.

“We've got to rebuild and I said that before the Asian Cup, but the most important thing is we got the three points and we move forward.”

Another win against The Cedars in Canberra will seal Australia’s place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and book their spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. 

The other match in the group saw Palestine winning 5-0 against Bangladesh to go two points clear of Lebanon with Oday Dabbagh’s hat-trick seeing him reach 15 international goals for Palestine, overtaking Fahd Al Attal as his nation’s all-time top scorer.

Dabbagh’s goals were added to by a brace from Shihab Qumbor leaving head coach Makram Daboub pleased with the outcome and already looking for a repeat performance in Dhaka in the reverse fixture.

“We faced difficulties at the beginning of the match, but the performance improved over time,” said Daboub. “The first goal came at an ideal time and we succeeded in increasing the lead before the end of the first half.

 

"I am satisfied with the performance of all the players today, despite the short period of training of only two days. We will turn the page on today's match and prepare well for the next match in a few days.

“In the end, I thank all the players, and congratulate Oday Dabbagh for becoming the all-time top scorer for our national team after tonight's hat-trick."